AN MP today praised firefighters tackling grass fires during the dry weather - most of which are thought to have been started deliberately.

The Eston Hills and Guisborough areas are most affected, with significantly more fires in the last month than the same period in 2010.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop said: “People should take care as fires like this can cause untold damage to nature and wildlife.

“I want to pay tribute to the local firefighters involved in tackling these blazes - both the full-time employees of the Cleveland Brigade and also the retained firefighters from Guisborough who come out regardless of whatever else they have on at the time.

“They are doing a great job in both tackling the fires and helping to keep people safe.”

In April there were 163 grass, moorland and hedge fires in Redcar and Cleveland, with 72 on Eston Hills. So far in May there have been 30 such fires in the borough, 19 on Eston Hills.

Ian Hayton, chief fire officer with Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “In recent weeks we have dealt with a significant number of grass and moorland fires and it is my view that the large majority have been started deliberately.

“We are working very closely with the police to step up our surveillance but would appeal to members of the public to be vigilant and report anyone suspected of starting these fires.

“We have some beautiful countryside in Cleveland and it is important that everyone works together to protect it.”